Educational Exchange Since 2010: Students from French Hotel School CFA Médéric Visit Japan Hotel School

Japan Hotel School (Nakano-ku, Tokyo; Principal: Tsutomu Ishizuka) hosted four students and two accompanying faculty members from CFA Médéric, a hotel school in Paris, France, on Thursday, July 9, 2026. The international exchange event was held at the school’s new building, “Crown,” with 27 first-year students from the English Major program.

During the exchange, English Major students delivered English-language presentations on Japanese hotels, ryokan inns, wedding culture, and tourism attractions—providing a practical application of their daily studies.

This event marks the fourth exchange since the educational partnership began in 2010, following previous visits in 2011 and 2023.

The visit aimed to deepen the French students’ understanding of Japanese hospitality and culture through observing service and bridal education, as well as interacting with Japanese students.

The event began with a welcome speech by English Major students, followed by introductions of both institutions.

Students from Japan Hotel School then delivered English presentations on three themes: “Japanese Hotels and Ryokan,” “Japanese Wedding Traditions,” and “Tourism Guide to Tokyo, Kanazawa, and Kyoto—destinations CFA Médéric students will visit during training.”

The presentations highlighted Japan’s unique hospitality philosophy, hotel and bridal customs, and regional attractions. Students actively communicated with their French counterparts. During lunch, informal conversations further strengthened mutual understanding, creating natural cross-cultural interaction beyond the classroom.

In the afternoon, participants experienced a bridal course session on “Color Coordination.” Using the four-season color analysis method, students identified their personal colors and received advice on fashion and grooming—an experience unique to Japanese vocational education.

At the conclusion, CFA Médéric faculty members Emmanuel Perier and Gery Bearez shared messages: “We hope to continue nurturing our partnership since 2010. We warmly invite all of you to visit CFA Médéric.”

The English Major program at Japan Hotel School is not merely an English language course. It is a comprehensive curriculum where students study hotel management, business administration, and general education entirely in English. The program aims to cultivate professionals equipped with both specialized knowledge and practical English skills for international careers in foreign-owned and overseas hotels.

This exchange provided students with a valuable opportunity to apply classroom knowledge by delivering presentations in English before an international audience. It also served as a reflective learning experience, allowing students to recognize personal challenges and growth through exposure to different cultures and values.

Student Comments (First-Year English Major)

[First International Exchange]

I was nervous at first during my first international exchange with overseas students, but as time passed, I found it enjoyable to communicate with peers of the same age.

[After the Presentation]

Despite thorough preparation, I couldn’t express myself in English as smoothly as I had hoped. However, thanks to the warm support from the CFA Médéric students, I was able to complete my presentation.

[Future Goals]

This exchange made me realize the areas where my English proficiency needs improvement. I am now more motivated to enhance my language skills to communicate more effectively.

Japan Hotel School continues to create numerous practical learning opportunities through collaborations with domestic and international educational institutions and the hotel industry. With departments including Hotel, English Major, Bridal, and Hotel SNS Communication, the school delivers hands-on education tailored to each program’s strengths. This international exchange was one such practical initiative.

Moving forward, the school will actively promote exchanges with overseas institutions to cultivate talent capable of thriving globally in the hotel, bridal, and tourism industries.

About Japan Hotel School

“The School Created by a Hotel”

The school’s predecessor was the “Prince Hotel School,” established by Prince Hotel in 1971 to train hospitality professionals. Next year, it will celebrate its 55th anniversary. Since its founding, the school has graduated approximately 15,000 students. As a leading institution in hotel and bridal education in Japan, it supports students in achieving full employment and their desired career paths using accumulated expertise.

International Hotel Department (Day Division): Hotel, English Major, Bridal, Hotel SNS Communication

Certified Vocational Training Program

International Hotel Department (Evening Division): Hotel, Bridal